Lymphocyte Studies in Behçet’s Syndrome

Abstract

Subsets of lymphocytes from 14 patients with Behçet’s syndrome, during the active stage of the disease, were studied. Circulating T cells, B cells and Fc receptor-bearing cells in the peripheral blood were compared to 20 age- and sex-matched controls. Patients with Behçet’s syndrome have decreased levels of T cells (p value < 0.05) and normal levels of B cells, and decreased PHA response. This study further supports the concept that there are defects of cell-mediated immunity in patients with Behçet’s syndrome.